About the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB)

The RNCB develops, administers, and evaluates programs for certification in rehabilitation nursing. The Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) program was first developed by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) in 1984. The CRRN credential is now administered by the RNCB, an autonomous component of ARN.

The mission of RNCB is to promote excellence in care by validating qualifications and specialized knowledge in rehabilitation nursing. There are currently over 10,000 CRRNs.

The CRRN program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification.

Committees

In addition to the RNCB, committees are important to the CRRN program for the development of the examination and audit of CRRN renewal applications.

The CRRN Exam Committee is responsible for ensuring that the content of the CRRN examination reflects current rehabilitation nursing practice.

The committee consists of five members representing the diversity of rehabilitation nursing practice. A board liaison participates as an active sixth member of the committee.

The committee members are appointed to reflect the diversity of rehabilitation nursing practice. A variety of practice settings, nationwide representation, and a range of demographic characteristics, including racial/ethnic diversity, is sought. Members are appointed to two-year terms by the RNCB chair. Committee members must be CRRN certified, be current members of ARN, and hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

The CRRN Item Development Committee is responsible for the development of new examination items. The committee consists of 9-12 members representing the diversity of rehabilitation nursing practice. The committee fulfills its purpose through development of new test questions (items). A variety of practice settings, nationwide representation, and a range of demographic characteristics, including racial/ethnic diversity, is sought. Members are appointed to two-year terms by the RNCB chair. Committee members must be CRRN certified and current members of ARN.

The CRRN Audit Panel is responsible for auditing a percentage of CRRN renewal applications to ensure compliance with renewal requirements. Panel members must be current CRRNs.

Please click here if you are interested in volunteering for any of these committees.

The Value of the CRRN Credential

Earning and maintaining the CRRN credential shows employers, colleagues, patients and the public that you:

take pride in your work and value personal achievement

are committed to caring for individuals with physical disability or chronic illness toward the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal health